Novelty apparatus

ABSTRACT

A novelty apparatus ( 11 ) comprising a suspended device ( 13 ), an anchoring means ( 17 ), and a linking means ( 15 ) for connecting the suspended device ( 13 ) to the anchoring means ( 17 ). A control device ( 37 ) is also provided for activating at least one amusement feature on the suspended device ( 13 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a toy amusement device. In particular the invention is in the form of a novelty apparatus designed to remain buoyant and perform certain functions upon activation.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A buoyant inflated device, such as a balloon, tethered to an anchoring point is well known. This type of device is commonly used to amuse children, as decoration at parties, or as a surprise for someone on a special occasion. It is also known that the device can be in the shape of a known character or symbol and may also bear a printed pattern or message.

[0003] The device is, however, limited in its amusement factor and will often be neglected after a short period of time. Another disadvantage is that children often release the tether, accidentally allowing the device to escape into the atmosphere, resulting in a very upset child.

[0004] It is an object of this invention to provide a device in the form of a novelty apparatus which will provide additional amusement and entertainment.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a novelty apparatus comprising a suspended device, an anchoring means, a linking means for connecting the suspended device to the anchoring means, and a control device for activating at least one amusement feature on the novelty apparatus, wherein the suspended device comprises an enclosure for sealingly containing an inflation fluid, whereby, when inflated, the suspended device has a lower total density than that of its surrounding environment, such that the suspended device remains aloft in said environment.

[0006] The control device may be associated with the anchoring means. Preferably the control device is integral with the anchoring means.

[0007] The linking means for connecting the suspended device to the anchoring means may be a physical link. In one arrangement, the physical link comprises an elongate element.

[0008] Preferably the anchoring means may be adapted to be secured to an object, such as the body of a user. The anchoring means may comprise a band for securing the apparatus to a wrist of the user, and is preferably heavier than the total weight of the suspended device.

[0009] The control device may comprise a control means operable to cause activation of at least one said amusement feature of the novelty apparatus.

[0010] Preferably the at least one said amusement feature is located on the suspended device, whereby activation of said at least one amusement feature comprises the animation of the suspended device. The animation may comprise of the activation of a sound, illumination of the suspended device and/or physical movement relative to the suspended device.

[0011] The control means may be operated by touch or by sound.

[0012] The suspended device may further comprise a return means for returning the suspended device to the ground, whereby breaking of the link between the suspended device and anchoring means activates the return means. Preferably the return means comprises a deflation device for deflating the suspended device.

[0013] In another arrangement, the return means may comprise a homing device for returning the suspended device to the user.

[0014] The suspended device may still further comprise a re-inflation system for inflating the suspended device in the event it is deflated.

[0015] Preferably the suspended device comprises a material capable of bearing a pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a novelty apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of anchoring means which forms part of the novelty apparatus;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the novelty apparatus connected to the wrist of a user; and

[0020]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 except that the suspended device is in the form of a novelty character.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the invention according to the first embodiment is in the form of a novelty apparatus 11 comprising a suspended device 13, a linking means 15 and an anchoring means 17.

[0022] The suspended device 13 comprises an enclosure 19 in the form of a balloon, which may be made from a material capable of bearing a pattern such as a face. The enclosure 19 sealingly contains an inflation fluid, such as helium, which inflates the enclosure 19 and is of sufficiently low density, relative to its environment, to maintain the suspended device 13 in an aloft condition.

[0023] The enclosure 19 further comprises amusement features 47, which are selectively operable from a control device 37. The amusement features 57 include lights 22 which may be selectively illuminated, such as by flashing, and a speaker 24 for emitting sound.

[0024] To prevent the suspended device 13 rising further into its environment a linking means 15 is provided to connect the suspended device 13 to an anchoring means 17.

[0025] The linking means 15 comprises a discreet element 25 with a first end 27 attached to the suspended device 13 and a second end 29 connected to the anchoring means 17. As shown in the Figures the discreet element 25 is in the form of a wire 31.

[0026] The anchoring means 17 comprises a band 33 adapted to be attached to the wrist 35 of a user. The anchoring means 17 incorporates a control device 37 for initialising a signal to the suspended device 13 for activation of the amusement features 47. The control device 37 comprises a button 39 which can be pressed to cause illumination of the light 22. The control device 37 further comprises a microphone 43 into which a user can speak while pressing control button 40, causing a sound to be emitted from the speaker 24 incorporated with the enclosure 19.

[0027] The anchoring means 17 is sufficient in weight so as to prevent the suspended device 13 rising further in its environment when the novelty apparatus 11 is detached from the wrist 35 of the user.

[0028] The suspended device 13 further comprises a deflation mechanism 45 (not shown) for releasing the inflation fluid 21 from the enclosure 19. The deflation mechanism is activated upon the wire 31 breaking. This will result in the suspended device 13 returning to ground once enough of the inflation fluid is expelled from the enclosure 19.

[0029] In another arrangement the suspended device 13 comprises a homing device whereby breaking of the wire 31 results in the suspended device 13 returning to its origin.

[0030] In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the enclosure 19 is in the shape of a known character 49 such as a clown.

[0031] The linking means is not to be limited to a discreet element and may also be any physical link such as a magnetic field or other type of energy field. Also, the discreet element is not to be restricted to a wire, but may also be in the form of a rope, stiff rod, string or other similar element.

[0032] The amusement features may also included the emission of pre-recorded messages or sounds from the speaker, or the release of a scent or gas, such as smoke, from a port located on the enclosure.

[0033] It is to be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiment herein described. The novelty apparatus is not to be limited to a particular size, shape or type of material.

[0034] Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
 1. A novelty apparatus comprising a suspended device, an anchoring means, a linking means for connecting said suspended device to the anchoring means, and a control device for activating at least one amusement feature on said novelty apparatus, wherein the suspended device comprises an enclosure for sealingly containing an inflation fluid, whereby when inflated, the suspended device has a lower total density than that of its surrounding environment, such that the said suspended device remains aloft in said environment.
 2. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the linking means is a physical link.
 3. A novelty apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the physical link comprises an elongate element.
 4. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the anchoring means is adapted to be secured to an object.
 5. A novelty apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the object is the body of a user.
 6. A novelty apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the anchoring means comprises a band for connecting said apparatus to a wrist of the user.
 7. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control device is associated with the anchoring means.
 8. A novelty apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the control device is integral with the band.
 9. A novelty apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the anchoring means is sufficient in mass such that the gravity effect thereon is greater that the buoyancy effect of the novelty apparatus, such that when removed from the object the novelty apparatus remains where placed.
 10. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control device comprises control means operable to cause activation of at least one said amusement feature of the novelty apparatus.
 11. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one said amusement feature is located on the suspended device.
 12. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein activation of at least one said amusement feature comprises animation of the suspended device.
 13. A novelty apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said animation comprises activation of a sound, illumination and/or physical movement.
 14. A novelty apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said control means is operable by touch.
 15. A novelty apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said control means is operable by sound.
 16. A novelty apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the suspended device further comprises a return means for returning the suspended device to ground, whereby breaking of the link between the suspended device and anchoring means activates the return means.
 17. A novelty apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the return means comprises a deflation device for deflating the suspended device.
 18. A novelty apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the return means comprises a homing device for returning the suspended device to the user.
 19. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the suspended device is of material capable of bearing a pattern.
 20. A novelty apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the suspended device further comprises a reinflation system for inflating the suspended device when it deflates. 